Touch-up paint help center

Everything you need to get a perfect match

How to order, find your paint code, choose the right product, and apply it like a pro. Still stuck? Call a real person at (631) 991-7188.

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How to order touch-up paint

It takes about two minutes. We check every order before we mix it, so you can't get it badly wrong.

  1. Find your paint codeIt's usually on a sticker in the driver's door jamb. See where it is for your make. Don't have it? Enter your VIN in the color finder and we'll look it up.
  2. Choose your productPen or ½ oz bottle for small chips, 2 oz bottle for more chips and scratches, aerosol for bumpers and panels, or spray-gun paint for bigger jobs. Help me choose.
  3. Pick your color typeSolid, metallic/pearl, or tri-coat. Not sure? Pick your best guess. If your code needs a different type, we'll call you before mixing.
  4. Add a repair kit if you need oneKits include primer and clear coat, which most repairs need. Add sanding paper and masking tape for the best finish.
  5. Check outYour paint code and vehicle stay with your order. Pay securely at checkout.
  6. We verify, mix and shipWe match your code to your vehicle, mix your color fresh, check it on a test card and ship it by ground within 2 business days (most orders go out the next business day). You get a tracking email.
Find my color

Which product do I need?

Pick by the size of the damage. When in doubt, call us and describe it.

DamageBest choiceWhy
1–5 stone chips, smaller than a pencil eraser½ oz Paint (Brush-in-Bottle)Enough for a handful of chips at the lowest price.
Fine scratches, door-edge chips, thin linesPaint PenFine tip for precise lines with no brush marks.
Many chips (hood, front bumper) or scratches up to a few inches2 oz Paint (Brush-in-Bottle)Four times the paint of a ½ oz bottle. Best value for a whole hood of chips.
Scuffed bumper corner, mirror cap, an area bigger than a credit cardAerosol Spray PaintEven coverage over larger areas; blends better than a brush.
Whole panel, bumper or professional repairPro Refinish Paint (Spray Gun)Gun-ready basecoat: a pint covers about 1 panel, a quart about 2–3.
Tip: If the chip goes down to bare metal or plastic, choose a repair kit. It includes primer (so the paint sticks and rust can't start) and clear coat (for gloss and protection).

Where to find your paint code

Most cars have a sticker in the driver's door jamb. Look for words like PAINT, COLOR, EXT PNT or C/TR. Tap your make for where to look.

Toyota · Lexus · Scion

Driver's door jamb sticker, next to C/TR. The code is the first 3 characters, e.g. 040 (Super White), 1G3 (Magnetic Gray).

Honda · Acura

Driver's door jamb sticker. Codes look like NH-731P (Crystal Black Pearl) or B-593M.

Ford · Lincoln

Driver's door jamb sticker, next to EXT PNT (older models: PAINT). Two characters, e.g. YZ (Oxford White), PQ (Race Red).

Chevrolet · GMC · Buick · Cadillac

Usually the Service Parts Identification label in the glove box or trunk, or on the driver's door jamb. Look for a code starting with WA or U, e.g. WA8555 / GBA.

Chrysler · Dodge · Jeep · Ram

Driver's door jamb sticker. Three characters, often starting with P, e.g. PW7 (Bright White), PXR (Diamond Black).

Nissan · Infiniti

Driver's door jamb sticker, next to COLOR. Three characters, e.g. KH3 (Super Black), QAB (Pearl White).

Hyundai · Kia · Genesis

Driver's door jamb sticker, next to PAINT. Two or three characters, e.g. NKA, UD.

Subaru

Driver's door jamb, or on a plate under the hood near the strut tower. Three characters, e.g. D4S.

Mazda

Driver's door jamb sticker, next to COLOR, e.g. 41V (Soul Red), 25D.

Mitsubishi

Plate under the hood on the firewall, or the driver's door jamb. Look for the code after EXT.

Volkswagen · Audi

Sticker in the spare-tire well or trunk floor, or the service booklet. Four characters, e.g. LC9X (Deep Black Pearl).

BMW · MINI

Under the hood (strut tower or radiator support) or the driver's door jamb. Three digits, e.g. 475 (Black Sapphire).

Mercedes-Benz

Driver's door jamb or under the hood on the radiator support. Three digits, e.g. 197 (Obsidian Black).

Volvo · Land Rover · Jaguar · Porsche

Driver's door jamb or under the hood; Porsche often in the front trunk or the maintenance booklet. If you can't find it, give us your VIN.

Tesla & anything else

Some vehicles don't show the code where you'd expect. Enter your VIN in the color finder or call us, and we'll look it up before mixing.

Still can't find it? Send us a photo of the door-jamb stickers or your VIN. We'll confirm the code for free before anything is mixed.

Solid, metallic/pearl or tri-coat?

TypeWhat it looks likeWhat you get
SolidFlat color with no sparkle (many whites, reds, blacks).One color, then clear coat.
Metallic / PearlSparkles or shifts in sunlight. Most modern colors.One color with metallic or pearl flakes, then clear coat.
Tri-coatDeep, glowing pearl whites and candy reds (e.g. pearl white, soul red).A base color plus a separate pearl mid-coat, then clear coat. Priced higher because it's two paints.

Not sure? Choose your best guess. Your paint code tells us the type, and we'll call you before mixing if it needs to change.

How to apply touch-up paint

Work in the shade between 60–85°F, with low humidity. Thin coats always beat thick ones.

  1. CleanWash the area, then wipe with wax & grease remover. Remove loose paint or rust with a fine abrasive and let it dry.
  2. Prime bare spotsIf you see bare metal or plastic, dab a thin layer of primer just inside the chip. Dry 30 minutes.
  3. Shake and testShake the bottle for 60 seconds, then dab some on the included test card and hold it next to your car in daylight.
  4. Apply thin layersWipe most paint off the brush and dab (don't brush) into the chip. Let each layer dry 15–20 minutes. Build up until it's just below the surrounding paint.
  5. Clear coatAfter about an hour, apply clear coat slightly above the surface.
  6. Level and polish (optional)After 2–3 days, wet-sand the spot level with P2000–P3000 paper and polish with compound for a near-invisible repair.
  1. CleanWash and wipe the area with wax & grease remover.
  2. Activate the penShake 60 seconds, then press the tip on the test card until paint flows.
  3. Prime if neededUse the primer pen on bare metal or plastic. Dry 30 minutes.
  4. Fill the scratchTouch the tip lightly into the scratch and let paint flow in; don't drag across good paint. Dry 15–20 minutes between passes.
  5. SealFinish with the clear coat pen. Level and polish after 2–3 days if you like.
  1. PrepSand the damaged area (P320–P400 for repairs, P600 to blend), clean with wax & grease remover, and mask at least 12 inches around it.
  2. PrimeSpray primer over bare spots, dry, then lightly sand with P600.
  3. Shake and testShake for 2 minutes after the ball starts to rattle. Spray the test card first.
  4. Spray colorHold the can 10–12 inches away and keep it moving. Apply 2–4 light coats, 5–10 minutes apart, until covered. The color looks dull until clear coat goes on; that's normal.
  5. Clear coatAfter 30 minutes, apply 2–3 coats of 2K clear for gloss and durability.
  6. FinishLet it cure overnight. Blend the edges with P2000–P3000 and polish.
  1. PrepSand, clean and mask as you would for any refinish job. Use a respirator and gloves.
  2. MixStir well and reduce according to the tech sheet included with your paint.
  3. Set up the gunUse a 1.3–1.4 mm tip for basecoat; set pressure to your gun maker's spec.
  4. SprayApply 2–3 medium coats with 5–10 minutes of flash time between, until hidden. Use a final light coat for even metallic.
  5. ClearClear coat after the final flash, following the clear's own instructions.
  6. Clean upClean the gun with lacquer thinner right away.
Safety: Paint is flammable. Use outdoors or with good ventilation, away from heat and flame. Wear gloves and eye protection; use a respirator when spraying. Keep away from children.

Prep & tools checklist

Good prep is most of a good repair. We stock everything the pros use.

Also helpful: wax & grease remover, tack cloth, microfiber towels, and a few toothpicks for tiny chips.

Troubleshooting

ProblemCauseFix
The color looks darker or lighterWet paint looks different; metallics look flat until clear is on; older paint fades in the sun.Judge the test card dry and with clear coat, in daylight. Faded paint needs blending or polishing of the old paint. If it still doesn't match, use our color-match promise.
A raised blobToo much paint at once.Let it cure 2–3 days, wet-sand level with P2000, and polish.
Runs or sags (aerosol)Too close or too heavy.Let it dry, sand the run flat with P1500–P2000, and re-coat lightly from 10–12 inches.
Rough, orange-peel textureToo far away, too hot, or too dry.Spray in the shade at 60–85°F; wet-sand and polish after curing.
Paint peels or won't stickWax or oil on the surface, or no primer on bare metal/plastic.Clean with wax & grease remover and prime bare spots.
Paint won't flow from the penNot activated.Shake 60 seconds and press the tip on the test card several times.

How-to videos

Watch each repair step by step. About a minute each.

▶ How to fix stone chips · 55 sec
▶ How to use a paint pen · 55 sec
▶ How to spray an aerosol · 55 sec

Shipping & delivery

ProductShipping
Paint pens and brush bottlesFREE ground shipping
Aerosol spray paint$7.95 ground (kits by weight)
Pints and quarts$12.95–$14.95 ground
GallonsLocal pickup or delivery on Long Island. Call (631) 991-7188.
  • Order by 2 PM ET on a business day and we mix and ship it within 2 business days.
  • Paint ships by ground only (no air shipping), to the lower 48 states. Most orders arrive 1–5 business days after shipping.
  • Local customers can pick up at 513 Acorn St, Unit C, Deer Park, NY.

Our 60-day color-match promise

If our paint doesn't match your vehicle's factory paint code, we remix it free. If the remix still doesn't match, we refund the paint. Claims must be made within 60 days of delivery.

How to use it

  1. Test firstBefore painting your car, apply the paint (and clear coat) to the included test card and let it dry.
  2. Send a photoReply to your order email with a daylight photo of the dried test card held next to the area you're repairing.
  3. We check itWe compare it with your code and formula and contact you within one business day.
  4. Remix or refundWe remix and ship it free. If the remix still doesn't match, we refund the price of the paint.

What's covered

  • Paint that doesn't match the factory color for the paint code on your order, for any model year.
  • One free remix per order. If that remix doesn't match, a refund of the paint's purchase price.
  • Pro Refinish Paint (pints and quarts for spray guns) is covered by a free remix. Because it's mixed to order in larger volume, it isn't eligible for a cash refund.

What isn't covered

  • A wrong paint code given at checkout (call us first if you're unsure — we'll verify it free from your VIN).
  • Panels that have faded, oxidized, been repainted or blended, or color differences from age and sun.
  • Problems from application: skipping primer or clear coat, thick or uneven coats, or not shaking or stirring well.
  • Paint already applied to the vehicle without testing it on the card first.
  • Labor, body-shop work, materials or other costs beyond the price of the paint.

The promise covers the paint you bought from us; your sole remedy is a remix or refund as described above. Unopened tools and accessories can be returned within 30 days. Questions? Call (631) 991-7188.

All questions

Is this the same paint my car came with?

It's mixed to your car's factory paint code from a database of more than 160,000 OEM color formulas, using professional refinish paint made in an ISO 9001 certified factory.

How much area does each product cover?

A ½ oz bottle or pen fixes a handful of chips. A 2 oz bottle covers many chips or several inches of scratches. A 12 oz aerosol covers roughly 2–3 square feet in full coats. A pint covers about one panel, a quart about 2–3.

Do I need primer and clear coat?

Primer is needed only where you see bare metal or plastic. Almost every modern car needs clear coat over the color for gloss and protection. Our repair kits include both.

Can I use your paint on plastic bumpers?

Yes. Clean well, use an adhesion promoter or primer on bare plastic, then apply color and clear.

How long does it take to dry?

Touch-up layers dry to the touch in 15–20 minutes. Aerosol color is ready for clear in about 30 minutes. Wait 2–3 days before wet-sanding, and about a week before waxing.

Can I order by color name instead of code?

Yes, but colors with the same name can have different codes across years. Give us your vehicle or VIN and we'll confirm the exact code first.

My car was repainted. Will it match?

We mix to the factory code. If your car was resprayed in a different shade, call us and we'll talk through the best option.

Do you sell to body shops?

Yes. We offer trade pricing on pints, quarts and gallons, with local delivery across Long Island. Call (631) 991-7188.

Can I track my order?

Yes. You'll get a tracking email as soon as your paint ships.

Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii or outside the US?

Not for paint right now, because it must ship by ground. Tools and abrasives ship to many more places.

Is the paint safe to ship and store?

It's flammable, so we pack and label it for ground shipping. Store it away from heat and out of reach of children.

No help topics match that search. Call (631) 991-7188 and we'll answer it.